I've played both smt and alpha equipment. I personally prefer smt. The driver that i used last year was the 455 db with the vs339 shaft. Great combo as this head and shaft seem to have been made for each other. My combo was made to standard length and i'd still have it, but i let one of my friends hit it and he wouldnt give it back. Mike Tait the owner of smt, and Jody Beacon the owner of accuflex, are good friends, and i'm pretty sure that they design some of their product with each others offerings in mind. This combo has received very good reviews from all over. My advise to you would be.....go to smt's web site and get on their discussion board. You should be able to learn everything that you want to know about this combo there. A lot of long drivers hang out there from time to time, and could help you out a lot. Mike himself answers questions, and i've seen jody participate as well. If there is anything specific that i can help you out with, just let me know!